Jabaal Sheard Staying in Shape During the Lockout

Browns second-round defensive end Jabaal Sheard is working hard to stay in shape for when the lockout ends and he reports to Cleveland, writes Steve Doerschuk of The Repository.

“I’m just staying in the best shape I can,” Sheard told Doerschuck. “I just try to stay in contact with the veterans. I talk to (Browns linebacker and player rep) Scott Fujita a lot.

“I’m basically unemployed right now, with no income. Saving money is big…not that I have any.”

Even if there’s a tighter rookie wage scale in place for 2011, as the 37th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, money shouldn’t be an issue for Sheard two-to-three months from now. If the current rookie compensation system remains in place, Sheard can expect to sign a four-year contract worth nearly $4.5 million, with around $3.3 million in guarantees.

The 6-3, 264-pound defensive end posted 142 tackles, 35.5 for a loss, with 19.5 quarterback sacks during his college career at the University of Pittsburgh. Sheard is expected to be an instant starter and pass-rushing presence in Dick Jauron’s 4-3 defense.